Gen Z Insights: The Digitally Immersed Generation

Gen Z is the first generation to grow up with fast, easy internet access in a wide range of countries. Their digital immersion hasn’t only changed the information they consume and how they access it; it’s shaped what they value. How can Christian ministries respond?  

In this first episode of Gen Z Insights, Peter Dray, author of the IFES Gen Z Insights for Global Student Ministry report, provides a bite-sized orientation to Gen Z and their digital immersion.   

Afterwards, series host Annette Arulrajah, Associate General Secretary of IFES, is joined by a panel of guests from the IFES network of Christian student movements and beyond. Together, they discuss what digital immersion looks like for university students and young people in their contexts, and how we can respond to the challenges and opportunities of ministering among this digitally immersed generation.  

Guests include:  

• Eden Hale (USA), recent graduate and student representative on the IFES board 

• Esteban Amestegui (Bolivia), Langham Preaching’s Global Coordinator for Resources and Prayer 

• Alejandra Ortiz (Mexico), IFES Secretary for Research and Global Conversations 

Hit play to hear ideas on how to redirect Gen Zs from digital information overload about Christianity to true encounters with Jesus, and how technology can be used to engage seekers with the gospel.  

Timestamps: 

• (00:00) - Standard intro to the Gen Z Insights podcast series 

• (00:20) - Host Annette Arulrajah introduces the series and episode  

• (03:00) - Peter Dray provides a brief orientation on Gen Z, generational theory, and the digitally immersed generation 

• (10:45) - Panel discussion with Eden Hale, Esteban Amestegui, and Alejandra Ortiz 

• (31:20) - Closing remarks by Annette Arulrajah 

Episode links: 

• Visit the IFES Gen Z Insights webpage to explore more resources designed to help you reimagine ministry among this generation. These include the Gen Z Insights for Global Student Ministry report, Bible study guides, and other materials from across the IFES fellowship and beyond.  

• Esteban Amestegui authored a chapter titled “Integral Communication in Digital Times” in the Spanish language book Raíces de un evangelio integral (Roots of an Integral Gospel) by Rene Padilla.  

• Alejandra mentioned Homo Academicus, a podcast produced by Deborah Vieira, a graduate student connected with the IFES movement in Brazil. It addresses the challenges of the academic environment from a Christian point of view. 

About IFES 

The Gen Z Insights podcast series is brought to you by IFES, the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students. We are a movement of students sharing and living out the good news of Jesus Christ locally, nationally, and globally. We connect and nurture Christian student movements in more than 180 countries and territories. Our vision is to see students thriving together as communities of disciples, transformed by the gospel and impacting the university, the church, and society for the glory of Christ. Visit ifesworld.org to find out more.  

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Disclaimer:  

The opinions expressed in this podcast series are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of IFES or its national movements.